Tucker and Jones dominate in openers

February 08, 2006|SCOTT DAVIDSON Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- The first night of postseason play belonged to Emma Tucker and Deserea Jones Tuesday. Michigan City's Tucker and Clay's Jones were the difference makers in first-round Class 4-A sectional wins at Riley. Tucker was a one-woman wrecking crew with 38 points and 26 rebounds as the Wolves devoured the host Wildcats 70-57. In the nightcap, Adams could not keep up with the Jones as the Colonial guard canned 20 points in a 52-45 Clay victory. Michigan City (13-10) meets Clay (11-12) in the first semifinal at 6 p.m. Friday. No. 1 Washington (20-1) then faces LaPorte (8-12). Clay split with the Wolves during the regular season. The Colonials won 69-65 Jan. 26 after a 59-57 loss in overtime Dec. 29.

City 70, Riley 57: Tucker picked a pretty good time to have a career night. The 6-3 junior simply dominated. "That's amazing,'' said Tucker covering her eyes with a huge smile crossing her face when informed of her final stats. "We just did an awesome job as a team. We were all feeling confident and just came to play.'' Come to play was an understatement for Tucker. The athletic center, who averages 10.8 points and 10.2 rebounds, was the show. Tucker hit 18-of-27 shots, scoring numerous times on rebound putbacks against the smaller Wildcats. "We've been waiting for Emma to do that,'' said City coach Gary Collins. "We probably had put too much pressure on her. Before the game, we just told her to relax and have fun. "She responded and dominated the game and I'm very proud of her. We knew Riley had no answer for her.'' City, which beat Riley 78-52 on Dec. 28, never trailed. The hosts trailed 38-30 at half-time before pulling within 41-38. But Tucker scored nine in the third period as the Wolves took control. "Free throws (7-of-21) and rebounds are the game,'' said Riley coach Randy Cook.

Clay 52, Adams 45: Playing Adams brings out the best in Jones. For the second time this season, Jones found the winning number by dialing long distance against Adams. The 5-6 sophomore with the unorthodox shot-put type jumper shot down the Eagles. Jones had 16 points (with four 3-pointers) in a 45-37 Clay win on Nov. 22. Jones, who averages 9.3 ppg., drained six treys Tuesday. The Colonials then got clutch free throws from Retha Owens and Jessica Taghon in the final 25.7 seconds. Clay used a key 7-0 run in the fourth, capped by an Owens trey, to take a 48-40 lead. "We survived,'' said Clay coach Steve Scott. "Deserea stepped up and saved us with those threes against their zone. And we stepped up and hit free throws.'' Adams, which led 25-24 at half-time, simply could not finish. "They wanted it more than we did,'' said Adams coach Jeff Hull. "They got every loose ball and rebound. We shot scared. It was one of those nights where the ball would not go in.''